Court of Protection - Legal Assistant

Higgs LLP; Brierley Hill; Hybrid; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading law firm in Brierley Hill seeks a Legal Assistant for the Court of Protection team. The role involves managing client enquiries, liaising with families, and preparing legal documents. Ideal candidates will possess strong attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and experience with Microsoft 365. A commitment to confidentiality and supporting vulnerable clients is essential. This position offers hybrid working flexibility, fostering a respectful workplace culture.

Benefits

Hybrid working flexibility

Inclusive workplace culture

Qualifications

• Ability to maintain confidentiality when managing personal and client information.
• Experience in recording and maintaining client information efficiently.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in discussions.

Responsibilities

• Manage new enquiries and allocate them to fee earners.
• Be a point of contact for clients and third parties.
• Prepare financial budgets and forecasts for vulnerable individuals.

Skills

Integrity and discretion

Attention to detail

Clarity in communication

Time management

Positive attitude

Tools

Microsoft 365

Job description

Job title

Legal Assistant

Department

Private Client – Court of Protection

Our Purpose

To forge long-term relationships that have a positive impact on our people, our clients, our business partners, and our community.

Our Commitment to Our People

We do not think there is a magic formula to the Higgs culture. The key is to listen to and respect our people. If we take care of our people and our people take care of our clients, then everything we want as a firm will take care of itself. We are friendly and open to new ideas.

Our Core Values

Higgs core values are “CLEAR” – Care, Legacy, Excellence, Authenticity, Relationships

Role Purpose

As a Legal Assistant you will be working within the Court of Protection team which is part of the Private Client Department. The team manages the affairs and makes decisions on behalf of people who lack the capacity to do so for themselves. Your empathy, quick thinking, attention to detail and accuracy are vital attributes. The Court of Protection team is growing and you will need to have a broad understanding of legal matters, transactions, client requests and the demands of your team often connected to vulnerable clients and sensitive or complex issues.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage new enquiries, taking initial details and gathering relevant information in order to allocate to appropriate fee earner to take further
• Being a point of contact for existing clients, their family, support team or third parties involved in the matter
• Supporting the managing fee earner with, but not limited to:
  • Care home visits
  • Managing properties
  • Managing utilities and household bills
  • Preparing for tax returns
  • Obtaining online quotes for products and services
• Processing client matter invoices generated internally and making arrangements to settle the same once approved
• Managing financial budgets and forecasts on behalf of a vulnerable person including, but not limited to making claims for welfare benefits and payment of liabilities
• Maintaining records for both electronic and paper files in order to ensure compliance with the Deputy Standards
• Preparation of all deputyship accounts for sign off by a Partner / COFA on a quarterly basis in accordance with the SRA Rules
• Keeping track of key dates and taking action
• Preparing files to go out to an external costs draftsperson
• Providing assistance and legal support to the Court of Protection team in managing various tasks and administration on client matters

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

• Acts with integrity and discretion, recognising the importance of confidentiality when managing personal, client, or firm information (A/I)
• Ability to accurately record, organise, and maintain client and matter information using appropriate systems, ensuring information is accessible, secure, and supports the team efficiency (A/I)
• Communicates with clarity, sharing ideas appropriately, listening actively, and contributing to discussions that support effective decision-making and continuous improvement. (A/I)
• Experience in taking ownership of tasks with responsible time management, attention to detail and professional responsibility. (A/I)
• Brings a positive attitude and proactive approach to your role, helping to foster a respectful and inclusive workplace. (A/I)

Desirable Criteria

• Able to demonstrate awareness of our purpose and how the role contributes to wider goals. (I)
• May have experience working in a professional or client facing environment. (A)

Technical Know How

• Proficient in using Microsoft 365 applications to organise tasks, manage time effectively and support collaborative working (essential). (A/I)
• Experience of working with vulnerable individuals would be beneficial but not essential

What You Need To Know

Higgs offers hybrid working wherever possible. Our Higgs’ Best FIT (flexible, inclusive, together) principles are designed to ensure that people can complete their best work from the most appropriate location. If you are looking to work flexibly then let us know and we will do what we can to accommodate your request. We encourage a ‘dress for your diary’ approach which means dressing in a manner appropriate for your schedule or the specific appointments you have on any given day.

Equal Opportunities

As charter signatories to The Law Society’s Diversity and Inclusion Charter, Higgs are committed to developing a diverse business by engaging with the widest pool of talent. We recognise this is an ongoing journey and regularly monitor our figures which can be viewed here.

People Driven. Legal Excellence.